Bronx Arts Ensemble 4th of July Concert in VCP

  It was a hot day but cool afternoon at the Rockwood Drive Circle in Van Cortlandt Park as over 150 people came to hear the Bronx Arts Ensemble's "Holiday Salute to George M. Cohan". Chairs were set up, but people were encouraged to bring their own chairs for comfort so they be put in the coolest place under the shadiest tree. This free concert was one of a series of free concerts performed by different artists, such as today's Jazz and Dixieland favorites with vocalist Cathy Gale sponsored by the local elected officials.

  On hand was Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz a sponsor of the free concert series in VCP who briefly addressed the crowd gathered before the concert began. City Council candidate Andrew Cohen and Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner were also on hand before the concert and also addressed the audience as you can see in the photos below. The next free Sunday concert in VCP is scheduled for July 14th is "Afro-Tango", by Bandoneon player Raul Jaurena, vocalist Marga Mitchell, and Dancers. On Friday evening July 12th in Pelham Bay Park starting at 6 PM is "All You Need Is Love" by the BAE's Electronic Mosholu Crash Music of the 1960's including Beatles hits. You can go to bronxartsensemble.org or call 718-601-7399 for more information on the Bronx Arts Ensemble free summer concert series. 

 

Left - Ms. Cathy Gale sings the first number played.

Right - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz speaks to the crowd before the concert began.

 

Left - City Council candidate Andrew Cohen listens to a voter as Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz also listens.

Right - Another candidate at the concert Anthony Weiner (running for mayor) stops to say hello to Assemblyman Dinowitz and council candidate Andrew Cohen. Dinowitz and the Ben Franklin Democratic Club endorsed Weiner for mayor in 2005. As of yet there has been no endorsement this year by Dinowitz or the club in the mayors race.

Left - Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner poses with a family that came to listen to the concert.
Right - Weiner listens to a concern of a concert goer.

And of course there were volunteers from the two candidates campaigns gathering signatures. Here Mr. Allen Fraizer signs a petition for Anthony Weiner as his wife Martha smiles.